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Do you know the God who sees? If you don’t I urge you to check out Jarm Del Boccio, Author‘s newest book called The Heart Changer. Learn the story of Naaman in the bible, imagine the story of that little slave girl, and realize they are meeting the God who sees.
What I am Reviewing
Jarm Del Boccio, Author
The Heart Changer
Only He could Set a Captive Free
Middle School
Fiction based on Bible Story
112 pages
Received digital format for Kindle.
Reviewed for The Homeschool Review Crew
MG historical fiction (middle-grade historical fiction), MG biblical fiction, Syria, Middle East fiction, Middle East, Jewish culture and religion, refugees, Middle School, fiction,
From the Cover:
Can an Israelite captive, wrenched from all she loves, serve the very man who destroyed her village?
Miriam is asked to do the impossible: serve the wife of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Clinging to treasured memories of home and faith, Miriam faces captivity with worry and bitterness. Little does she know the Heart Changer is wooing and preparing her for a greater mission—far beyond what she could imagine.
The Details
“RUN! RUN, MY DAUGHTER! DON’T let them see you!” Miriam’s mother cried in alarm, …. and with these world a fascinating glimpse in the lives of the Israelites began. As the story progresses we are brought into the world of Naaman from Aram. We glimpse the life of Naaman and how his life would have been. The fear at the thought of leprosy, the sudden hope, the dismay at his instructions. It’s all laid out in a real, living way. Biblical and historical fiction, helping us understand better the things of God.
This tale is told over 25 chapters, on my kindle each chapter was two pages long. The print was small, but still easily readable.
The story was followed up with:
- Epilogue (about 1/2 a page) which tied up loose ends.
- A reader’s note encouraging readers to leave a review on Amazon.
- Author’s note speaking to what was fiction and non-fiction in the story
This quote jumped out at me. I continue to ponder on the idea of a God who sees, it continues to impact me.
Teacher’s Guide
Jarm Del Boccio has graciously provided a small teacher’s guide for use with her delightful book The Heart Changer. In it you will find recipes, questions to ponder, fun information about Ms. Del Boccio, questions to help you do your own setting research, and worksheets. I thought it a fun thing to add the recipes! 🙂 I have never had Stuffed Zucchini before but I have stuffed other squash so this might be fun to try. You can find the teacher’s guide on this page, the white square at the bottom of the page.
My Thoughts
Okay, I have to admit to not being a huge fan of biblically based historical fiction. I find authors add things that take away from the real story OR they change the story! Neither sits well with me. I did not find that with this book. There are details added that may or may not have been true, but the story itself, of Naaman, his illness, societal expectations, and the servant girl. It was spot on.
My goal was to read enough to intrigue my son and pass it over to him. He has picked up a summer job and finds himself really busy. After I encouraged him to read the first couple of chapters he said, “Mom, when I have the time, can I read it?” To me that’s a glowing recommendation. Ergo it will stay on my tablet and, hopefully during the last two weeks of August when he has no work or expectations he’ll read it.
What did I think? Well considering that I meant to only read the first chapter so I could intrigue the lad and ended up finishing it … The Heart Changer was an interesting read.
It was a good, easy read and I have NO problems telling you to go out and get this book. Share it with your children and let them imagine Naaman, the life he lived, the fear he faced, the pride he needed to beat, and how God used one little slave girl in his life. And hopefully, they will see God a bit more clearly, and be able to glorify him more dearly.
Read the Reviews
45 people read The Heart Changer. Click on the image below to read those reviews, or follow this link.
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This does sound like an intriguing book.
i thought it was.
Thanks so much, Annette for your thoughtful review. I’m so glad it enticed you and your son to read it. I trust you will both be blessed!
it was a good read, thank you Jarm
I enjoyed this book, though I did struggle with some of the set up of the story. Still, it is good to allow yourself to imagine the people that were so deeply touched by God’s work in their lives.
yes, it wasn’t a perfect story, and as my lad says “how would they know? it’s totally a guess right mom?”